Military Chat

Does anybody know anything about proxy marriages during WW2 , and if so is there any records of them.

Sandra C

I found this reply to a similar question on another forum.

From "The Times" July 1941;

"There is no evidence of any widespread desire in the Forces for facilities for marriage by proxy, and there is no present intention to introduce legislation of this kind. A Bill which the Government propose to introduce after the recess relates solely to personnel of his Majesty's Forces stationed in this country, and is designed to meet some of the difficulties which arise when members of the Forces who have made arrangements to get married are moved at short notice or are unable to get leave."

Sept 11th 1941;

"The Bill provides that, if a man or woman serving is certified to be unable to go to a place in England or Scotland where he or she has arranged to be married, the marriage may be solemnized in any other building in England where marriages may be lawfully solemnized, or celebrated by a minister in Scotland, or contracted in a Scottish Registry Office. The marriage of a serving man or woman may take place during the war at any period within one year after the complete publication of the banns or after the grant of a licence."

So it doesn't look like they were officially recognised.

Thank you for your reply , interesting information.

Sandra C